To be convicted of committing prostitution in Beverly Hills, the prosecution would have to establish that:

The defendant agreed to perform a sexual or lewd act in exchange for money or something else of value.

One can also be convicted under California Penal Code Section 647(b) PC for soliciting a prostitute. To prove that a defendant is criminally liable, a prosecutor would have to prove the following elements:

The defendant asked another person to perform a sexual act or a lewd act.

When the defendant made this request, he or she intended on engaging in this act with the other party.

AND the defendant’s communication was received by the other party.

The touching of another person’s genitals, buttocks or female breast with the purpose of achieving sexual arousal or gratification for either party is what is considered to be a “lewd act” under the prostitution statute.

In Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, officers and deputies from the Beverly Hills Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will set up sting operations intended to ensnare those who engage in prostitution as well as those looking to hire prostitutes. Undercover officers will pose as prostitutes and arrest any individuals who attempt to solicit sex or lewd acts from the officer.

Law enforcement agencies will also post ads on popular adult services websites posing as prostitutes and will respond to ads posted by prostitutes. These online sting operations typically result in several arrests of people looking to engage in or solicit prostitution.

A person who has been charged with a prostitution offense stemming from a law enforcement sting operation may have a valid entrapment claim if the undercover unit was too forceful in pressuring a suspect into committing an illegal act. If the defendant can show that the undercover officer crossed the line in inducing him or her to commit a crime, the case may ultimately be dismissed.

A charge under California Penal Code Section 647(b) PC is a misdemeanor. Prosecution of Beverly Hills prostitution offenses would be handled by a Deputy District Attorney from Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The case would be heard by a judge at the Airport Courthouse, located at 11701 South La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Someone convicted of prostitution can be sentenced to up to six months in jail. A judge can also require an AIDS test in addition to counseling or education and steep fines.

When the defendant has a prior prostitution conviction on his or her record, a second conviction would result in a minimum 45 day jail sentence. On a person’s third prostitution conviction, the mandatory jail time increases to 90 days. When the prostitution crime occurred in a vehicle that was parked within 1,000 of a private home, the defendant’s driver’s license can be suspended for a 30 day period. The sentencing judge may allow a restricted license that would permit the defendant to drive to and from work.

There are a host of charges related to prostitution with which a person can also be charged. Pimping and pandering are both felony offenses under California Penal Code Section 266h PC and California Penal Code Section 266i PC respectively. Someone who is convicted of either offense can potentially be sentenced to serve up to six years in prison. Providing assistance or supervision to a prostitute can expose someone to criminal charges under California Penal Code Section 653.23 PC. This charge is typically levelled against people who provide ancillary assistance to prostitutes, such as drivers, bodyguards and managers. Conviction of this misdemeanor offense is punishable by up to six months in jail.

If you have been arrested for a prostitution offense in Beverly Hills, it is very important that you consult with a Beverly Hills Criminal Defense Attorney right away. As a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Beverly Hills Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael Kraut knows how to effectively defend clients charged with prostitution offenses. Mr. Kraut understands the embarrassing nature of charges like this and can appear in court on behalf of his clients so they do not have to.

Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan Thomas

★★★★★

I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad

★★★★★

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★★★★★

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★★★★★

Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.